A Fine Mess

By Howa

December 20, 2020 3 min. reading time

Referring to Christmas presents, or ironically, the phrase "a nice surprise" always carries an element of surprise, whether good or bad. And let's admit it, even without a lockdown, Christmas Eve doesn't always go as planned. However, for the children, it is the highlight of the year. They can hardly fall asleep the night before and are impatient until the little bell rings and the living room door opens. Then their eyes grow wide and shine.

Preparation

In the past, the thick catalogs from mail-order companies were eagerly awaited, not just by the adults. During the pre-Christmas season, children were allowed to cut out their desired toys from them and stick them on their wish lists. This is still practiced today; catalogs and brochures are often distributed in kindergartens. The slightly older school children can already write their wishes down. Then the wish list can be placed on the windowsill overnight or sent directly by mail to the Christ Child or Santa Claus. There are even real postal addresses to be found on the internet.

Tasks of the Christmas Elves

As parents, you should start thinking early about what should end up under the Christmas tree. This at least saves nerves during Advent. What is sensible, what do the children engage with, and what are they interested in? Often grandparents and parents pool resources if it is something bigger.

Gifting Adults

Those who haven't given up on gifting relatives know exactly how difficult it is to find something suitable. Homemade gifts are always well received, or you can give your loved ones some quality time together and simply invite them to a five-course meal. How about, for a change, a knitting or craft workshop or a winter picnic with tea and gingerbread?

Roasted Almonds

This year, you can do without the crowds and spilled mulled wine, but the treats and wonderful smells of the Christmas market are definitely missed. And what should never be missing? – A bag of roasted almonds. You can make these yourself at home with just a few ingredients and a bit of skill.

Ingredients

200g almonds

200g sugar

100ml water

1 packet of vanilla sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation

Step 1:

Bring sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and water to a boil in a pan. Then add the almonds. Continue cooking on high heat for about 5 minutes until the water has evaporated.

Step 2:

When the sugar has become dry like sand, reduce the heat to medium. Very important: the nuts and sugar must always be kept moving – so stir, stir, stir. When the sugar slowly starts to liquefy again, the almonds are almost done.

Step 3:

When the sugar sticks shiny to the nuts, you can remove the pan from the heat. It’s not easy to catch the right moment, but with some practice, it works. Now spread the almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and separate them with two forks. Let cool and, of course, taste. The danger here is that the nuts tend to disappear into your own belly before you can give them away. The best part is that the whole apartment smells like the Christmas market.